A healthy lifestyle can help your body recover after treatment. It can also help to reduce the risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Exercise

Being physically active after treatment is a positive step in your recovery. Physical activity is usually safe after cancer treatment but it is important to get advice from a healthcare professional. There may be some types of activity you need to avoid or be careful with.

For some people, recovery may take some time after cancer treatment ends. Being physically active after treatment may help you:

• Maintain your fitness & strength,
• Manage your mental well-being
• Manage ongoing side effects such as tiredness (fatigue)

Move against Cancer

The charity’s main focus is to support and inspire people to Move against Cancer. The aim is to promote the benefits of exercise/movement, both physically and mentally, when living with and beyond cancer. Move against Cancer - www.moveagainstcancer.org 

MOVE Against Cancer Charity - Who we are and what we do

Ella Dawson Foundation

www.elladawsonfoundation.org.uk The Ella Dawson Foundation works alongside a team of experts to enable young adults, aged 18-30 yrs old, and their families and carers access tailored wellbeing support packages unique to their needs at any stage of their cancer diagnosis within a safe, supporting and likeminded community.

The Ella Dawson Foundation is here to help you live well, feel well, eat well and move well with and beyond cancer.

Being careful in the Sun

Healthy sun exposure can boost your Vitamin D levels which is essential for your bones and general mood.  Though, it is not adviseable for anyone to stay in the sun for too long, particularly if you have been treated for cancer.

• Always make sure that you are using at least Factor 30 sunscreen.
• Spend plenty of time in the shade to avoid burning.
• Always keep an eye out for any changes on your skin especially moles, and always seek help if you are unsure from your Survivorship Nurse or GP.
• Sun beds increase the risk of skin cancers

Alcohol Consumption

Men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. 

This is equivalent to;

• Six 175ml glasses of 13% wine:
• Six 568ml pints of 4% lager or ale:
• Five 568ml pints of 4.5% cider:

Alcohol is also a toxin, your liver gets rid of toxins in your body and so excessive alcohol, especially binge drinking, can put your liver under more stress. Alcohol is also classed as a drug and can have mental health consequences including addiction and depression.

Importance of self – examination

Knowing your own body is important and we encourage everyone to examine themselves regularly. This includes checking your skin, breasts or testes for any changes, lumps or bumps. If you do spot any changes or are worried then please inform your GP, Survivorship CNS or Medical team.

Testicular self examination - www.youtube.com/watch?v=24aXN8ZLQOU

Breast self examination - www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam